Missouri panel trims bill on complaints of rape in college

House Judiciary Committee members on Tuesday stripped down the bill following pushback from universities and victims-rights advocates. (Source: MO.gov)

March 12, 2019 at 6:49 PM CDT - Updated March 12 at 7:32 PM

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A panel of Missouri lawmakers has significantly dialed back legislation that backers say is aimed at ensuring those accused of rape and sex-based discrimination in college are treated fairly.

House Judiciary Committee members on Tuesday stripped down the bill following pushback from universities and victims-rights advocates. Critics have raised concerns that the measure could have a chilling effect and mean fewer victims report abuse.

At issue is how colleges and universities handle complaints of rape, sexual harassment and other sex-based discrimination.

The original House proposal would have allowed complainants to be sued for filing false complaints. The House Judiciary Committee removed that provision. They also cut a provision that have would have allowed students who have been previously disciplined to appeal.